Do boys mean it when they say you're beautiful?
*Sings*: "You're beautifu-hul, it's true."
Or is it?
I believe it was the ancient Greek philosopher Plato who said that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" (I say 'I believe', I just Googled it). A clever chap, Plato. And I'm guessing Mrs Plato was no Kate Moss.
You can just imagine Mrs P putting him on the spot when he first came out with that smooth little one-liner.
"Do you think I'm beautiful, Plato?" she probably snorted through her wonky nose, looking at him expectantly through her solitary eye...
I'm just being silly now. But my point is, only a fool would tell a girl she was butters, even if he thought she was.
This doesn't mean boys don't mean what they say though. Because actually, Plato had a point. Not only is beauty dependent on taste, it also has different definitions.
Many lads' define 'beautiful' as a girl with an especially nice face. But it varies. Some might think you're beautiful because you've got a knockout personality, or blonde hair, or a head made out of crisps.
You might fancy the pants off someone while being aware that aren't conventionally attractive. So to answer your question - yes, they do mean it. If a boy thinks you're beautiful enough to snog, you have nothing to worry about. But let him tell you of his own accord, rather than asking him.
And if he writes a song saying it, even better. Which reminds me, I began this column by singing James Blunt... so I'm off to be sick.
Please remember: Kev is not an expert, he is just a boy and sometimes quite a silly boy. The main thing to remember when it comes to lads and relationships is to expect respect as the absolute minimum. Find out more about a Women's Aid campaign of the same name.
Previous letters:
